Governors

Coalway Junior School has 10 governors, some of whom represent the parents, some are members of the school staff whilst others represent the local community. We also have associate members who are experts in their field and offer advice to the governing body. Parent, local authority and co-opted governors hold their position for at least four years whilst school members of school staff are appointed for at least two years. The Head Teacher remains on the governing body for the duration of their appointment at the school.

Governors are deliberately drawn from a wide range of occupations & skills, so between them they can provide the school with business, IT, language, logistical, legal & educational skills & expertise.

What we do

The governing body is legally responsible for the governance of the school, which includes setting budgets, making sure the buildings are well maintained, and giving staff the support and resources to deliver the curriculum. Governors also play a part in recruiting new staff, helping implement government Schools policies (from anti-bullying to Special Educational Needs) and planning for all aspects of the school’s development – from setting targets for the children’s achievement to improving the existing buildings and facilities.

How we do it

Governors hold full meetings a minimum of 3 times a year, and each governor is also assigned to one or more specific committee (the committees deal with everything from the National Curriculum and Staffing issues, to Premises, Health & Safety, Child Protection and Publicity). In addition to this many governors are familiar faces around the school – we attend school functions, are present at Parents Evenings and have individual responsibilities related to different curriculum subjects.

Why we do it

Being a governor involves a huge amount of time and commitment. We need to familiarise ourselves with the world of education, get to know every last detail about how the school functions, plough our way through endless acronyms and educational lingo, and deal with Shire Hall. Governors are not paid, even though they are legally responsible for the School’s management. However, no-one who serves as a governor at Coalway does so for any reason other than the chance to promote the school and ensure that it runs as efficiently and successfully as possible.

Who are we?

Caroline Merritt (Chair, Co-opted Governor)

Having initially studied Law and working for the Local Authority in the Legal Department with a specialism in Child Protection, I joined Gloucestershire Constabulary in 2005 and have worked in various roles, with a specialism in Community Engagement and Governance.

I really do believe that anyone can achieve anything, given the right opportunities and this is why I am a Governor at Coalway Juniors. We work together to ensure that all children within the school are able to reach their potential by providing not only good education, but pastoral care that enhances their experience in school.

I am married to Seb and am Mum to George, who loved his time at Coalway and benefitted greatly from all it had to offer as a school. I want all children within our community to continue to receive the same.

I am proud to be Chair of Governors and have been since 2016, whilst also being the designated Child Protection Governor.

Stuart McLester (Vice-Chair, Local Authority Appointed Governor)

"BA History/Politics, retired MD of manufacturing company and dedicated supporter of good education. Married with 2 children who previously attended CJS and now delighted to have 3 young grand-children. A proud governor at CJS for over 30 years, a governor of a secondary school in Wales and director/company secretary of a community group based at the Main Place in Coleford."

Rachel Hale (Co-opted Governor)

I was born, raised and schooled in Ross-On -Wye, Herefordshire. I have lived in the Forest of Dean for the past 26 years, since meeting my husband, Mike. We have two children, Charlotte and George, who are now teenagers but both attended Coalway Junior School.

I have worked at Coalway Early Years for the past 10 years. This role delivers great job satisfaction as I have seen how the children grow and develop over the years from starting at play school to leaving Coalway Juniors.

I have been a governor for just over 4 years, starting out as a Parent governor, and as I no longer have children that attend Coalway Junior School, I am now a co-opted governor.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and enjoy walks in the local woods with our family dog.

Judith Aston (Co-opted Governor)

I was employed by Coalway Junior School for 25 years as a Teaching Assistant and later qualified as Higher Level Teaching Assistant. I continue to do weekly supply teaching so am in regular contact with school life.

I am married with two daughters who both attended Coalway Junior School.

I am committed to SEND and ensuring all children have the support and opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential.

Kirsty Morris (Parent Governor)

I became a parent governor after seeing the support and encouragement that my daughters receive from the school. I wanted to support the school to continue to develop and maintain their high standards in teaching as well as supporting children and their families.

I have a passion to ensure that children have opportunities to develop their education as well as themselves as individuals; this passion led me to study child development and to become a Teaching Assistant, working in local education.

I have been a parent governor for 2 years and having seen the work of the governors and the staff, I am even more passionate about my role, seeing and being a part the valuable contributions from all involved.

Roger Williams (Co-opted Governor)

I have been a governor at Coalway Junior for over 30 years, having lived in the area from childhood. I attended the Broadwell School, which closed when Coalway Junior School opened so have a very long connection with the school and local community. I also served as a governor at Lakers High School, before it converted to Five Acres High.

I am committed to ensuring the school continues to providing a positive and varied education, giving the children of our local community an enriched start in life.

Rob Weston (Parent Governor)

I was born and bred in our beautiful Forest of Dean and is employed by FR Willetts Ltd Coaches for 23 years, holding the International (Operator's License) Certificate of Professional Competence. I love to travel long distances throughout the UK and Europe.

I am married to Vikki, who works with pre-school children at Coalway Early Years. I have 2 sons Archie and Harley, one of whom is educated at Coalway Juniors School. I enjoy spending my quality free time with them and my family.

Every child deserves a great education and a start in life, hence my reason for becoming a governor so that I may help maintain the high standards the school offer their students.

I bring an honest and hard-working approach to my work. It is the same attitude I would bring to this important role. I would look to work with parents, teachers, the Head and other Governors to help drive the continued improvement needed to provide our children with the best chance of success. I am a strong believer in the value and importance of a well-balanced education. I would welcome the opportunity to help the school in any capacity I can.

Hayley Badman (Parent Governor)

I am a Mum of 2 daughters, one who attends Juniors and one who will be in 2020. I also support with the “Friends of Coalway Junior School” which help raise funds for the school and pupils.

I felt as a Mum it was important to become a governor. Firstly to have a greater understanding into how our school runs but more importantly to have a positive impact for the school and the pupils.

My background is education and family support and specifically special needs.

I’m a truly committed to my role as governor is to help provide the best environments for children to learn, supporting fantastic staff to teach and to create a positive and thriving School.